She had called him brother, so solemnly, and with such a mien! Of course the lady in the portrait, with the sparkling diadem, would hold out her hand the same way. Walter made an awkward gesture with his hand.
"It will be crowded," said Mevrouw Holsma. "Everyone will want to see the kings and princes. We haven't asked our guest yet if he wants to go. We're going to the theatre; would you like to go with us?"
Walter was charmed at the prospect. He had never been in a theatre, but had long wanted to see such a play as Leentje had described. He cared nothing for kings. He would have given a dozen kings for one baron carrying away a girl in the approved manner. The Glorioso influence was still on him.
"We shall see half of the sovereigns of Europe," said Holsma, "and a dozen candidates----"
Walter wondered what the candidates would do in the "comedy." Sietske explained.
There was still plenty of time. Holsma was going out to see a patient and promised to stop at Juffrouw Pieterse's.
For reasons of fashion and feminine finery the play was not to begin till nine o'clock.
Walter heard that Femke, too, was to witness the performance; and from the conversation he gathered that the relations existing between the aristocratic family and the poor wash-girl were most cordial. Mevrouw Holsma sent Sietske to ask Femke to come in; but Femke preferred to remain with little Erich, with whom she was playing at the time.
"I thought as much," said Mevrouw Holsma. "That's why she wasn't at the table. She would rather stay with the baby."
"She says, too, that we sit at the table too long for her," added Sietske.
"She wouldn't enjoy the play anyway," observed William. "She's a good girl, but she's a little thick-headed. Don't you think so, mamma?"
"Everyone must act according to his own convictions, and consult his own tastes. Femke is too good to be forced to anything."
There must have been some special reason why the mother was going to the theatre with the rest, when she preferred to stay at home with little Erich, who had the measles. But she was going to remain "only a little while," and then come back with Uncle Sybrand. He would return to the theatre taking Femke with him, if she cared to go.